Thailand has been at the forefront of cannabis policy change in Southeast Asia. Back in 2022, the country became the first in the region to decriminalize cannabis, leading to the rapid growth of dispensaries and cannabis-friendly businesses, particularly in tourist destinations such as Bangkok and Phuket.
However, from mid-2025, Thailand’s government introduced tighter regulations. While cannabis is still available for medical use with a prescription, recreational use and the sale of cannabis flowers without medical justification are now heavily restricted. Many cannabis buds are classified as “controlled herbs,” and sellers are required to adhere to strict regulatory oversight.
Smoking cannabis in public places remains illegal, and violators may face fines or legal penalties. Regulations also prohibit unlicensed sales online or in public spaces, and import/export of cannabis outside of Thailand is illegal.
Products that contain CBD with less than 0.2% THC and meet regulatory standards are generally legal and widely available through licensed channels.
👉 Takeaway: As of 2026, cannabis in Thailand is primarily limited to medical contexts and subject to strict legal oversight. Recreational cannabis and unregulated delivery services may expose users to legal risks.
